Ashes 2015

[Pilgrim Meister]

As at the other place, a separate thread was always created for this, so this can be archived at a later date

Thoughts on the Training Squad?

 

[Baz]

No real surprises huh? Bit of same old about it. Nice to see guys like Topley and Vince get into squads too.

 

[JJH]

 

[Modernist]

Aussies have such a strong squad, the players they've had to leave out would walk into ours. Just hoping the recent transformation carries on and we stay competitive.

 

[Baz]

Aussies have such a strong squad, the players they've had to leave out would walk into ours. Just hoping the recent transformation carries on and we stay competitive.

I can't see why it would change against the Aussies as that's aggressive style of play was what made Australia brilliants in the 90's/00's.

 

[The Southbank]

This series against NZ has really wetted the appetite.

If Root can lead from the front (so to speak) and Bell can regain some form, then we can give them a right good go. It should be a fantastic series.

 

[Skinner]

This series against NZ has really wetted the appetite.

If Root can lead from the front (so to speak) and Bell can regain some form, then we can give them a right good go. It should be a fantastic series.

We're still a few levels below Australia.

Though Cook regaining form could be huge

 

[TomPNE94]

Do we have to watch this

 

[Who Needs Mourinho]

I think if we see the good side of Ian Bell then we actually edge the batting but they blow us out of the water when it comes to the bowling department.

 

[hodge]

Bell was the difference at home last time, think Cook and Root maintaining recent form could be key, if they can each hit a good few hundred each we could be in the driving seat. Everyone going on about the Aussie seamers, Anderson is class, Broad seems to be able to turn it up during Ashes series and Wood is a clever bowler, my only wish is that we would play Rashid over Ali. We need a big time wicket taking spinner.

 

[Matt_]

This series will be a lot closer than many are expecting, England are in with a decent shout on home soil. As Clark said in his press conference this week beating England in England is a tough task.

The down side going into this series for me is likely to be the behaviour of the Australians on the field which will be in complete contrast to how the Black Caps behaved.

 

[Aber gas]

This series will be a lot closer than many are expecting, England are in with a decent shout on home soil. As Clark said in his press conference this week beating England in England is a tough task.

The down side going into this series for me is likely to be the behaviour of the Australians on the field which will be in complete contrast to how the Black Caps behaved.

Not worried by the Australian behaviour tbh , I think their going to struggle to intimidate root, stokes , broad ect . I think all the macho posturing could work against them even if it's just to make them look a bit silly.

 

[Pilgrim Meister]

Not worried by the Australian behaviour tbh , I think their going to struggle to intimidate root, stokes , broad ect . I think all the macho posturing could work against them even if it's just to make them look a bit silly.

Also the Ashes wouldn't be the same without a Pantomine Villan. Who do you think will get that tag this year. Johnson again?

 

[hodge]

Also the Ashes wouldn't be the same without a Pantomine Villan. Who do you think will get that tag this year. Johnson again?

I can see it being Clarke actually, kinda like Ponting in 05

 

[Saddlerrad]

Aussies 108-0 at lunch in their first tour game against Kent.

Rogers passed 50, was dropped in the slips early on.

 

[Modernist]

Can't help but miss seeing the NZ players going as not only were they a major part of such a great series but their players exuded class and dignity and now we have Australia who have neither.

 

[Aber gas]

Also the Ashes wouldn't be the same without a Pantomine Villan. Who do you think will get that tag this year. Johnson again?

Johnson will get a bit of stick , Warner obviously and perhaps Watson although it could just be me that thinks he's a prize bell end .

 

[Baz]

Aussies are getting some nice batting practice at the moment then. Marsh gets a ton, Rogers hit 80 odd. Sort it out Kent

 

[Saddlerrad]

340-2 the Aussies. Hopefully we have played them on a purposefully flat wicket or have something up our sleeve.

 

[Baz]

Clarke hit a half century, so has Smith, hmm, wonder what the Aussie bowlers will get out of this tomorrow.

 

[Bobbin']

Don't think you can read too much into it.

They are playing against the worst 4 day side in the country who are also missing players.

 

[Bobbin']

Worth calling Matt Hunn up to the England squad!?

 

[Pilgrim Meister]

Ashes are nearlly here. First Test on Wednesday. Harris is out of the Aussie squad according to reports

 

[Skinner]

Harris has retired

 

[Saddlerrad]

Clarke has said to the press today he's amazed how much grass is on the Cardiff wicket and that they may go with a full seam attack and no spinner. It's going to be misty and murky tommorrow, so whoever wins the toss will bowl IMO.

 

[NiallQuinnDiscoPants]

Also the Ashes wouldn't be the same without a Pantomine Villan. Who do you think will get that tag this year. Johnson again?

Probably Warner

 

[Saddlerrad]

Looks like the weather won't be great tommorrow, improving thereafter though.

 

[hodge]

BBC reckons it could be a bit dodgy on the weekend with some rain, at 3.5/1 for a draw ive decided to stick a bit on at that.

 

[Skinner]

I'm getting excited now. Ordered two portable iPhone chargers and good earphones for this, just to make sure I don't miss much. Just got to try and have quiet days at work now...

 

[spireite]

Finish at 4am tonight so I can get off and get some sleep before the toss. Excitement building now